Need rental advice

[bound4wdw]

first time doing a rental and I'm a little hesitant. It's seems to be a good deal, but what can I do to protect myself?

 

[disneynutz]

See if the owner uses a contract, if not walk. Check references, talk to them on the phone, verify their knowledge.

Bill

 

[Sandisw]

It is about trust and you have to be comfortable with the fact that the reservation remains in control if the owner. It can save you money and most rentals go off without a hitch, but ask a lot of questions and make sure you are clear with the owners rules so both of you are on the same page.

In the end, there is always a risk as the owner could cancel at any time. Going through a broker, while more, may give piece of mind as some hold back part of the fee until the renter checks in.

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

Check the sticky threads, there will be advice there.

Consider a broker - it doesn't become riskless, but because a broker will hold funds in escrow, its a less risk.

Understand what you get and don't get with a DVC rental. Some of the biggest disappointments are not about "protecting yourself" - but in things like not understanding one of the beds in a studio is a pullout. Or reservations generally can't be cancelled or changed. Or that reservations on points don't get free dining. Or that there are a limited number of rooms - you need to book early - and a limited number of owners wanting to rent out points at popular resorts at popular times - you may not find an owner.

 

[bound4wdw]

I was trying to use redweek, but with three different tries all of them seemed willing to be verified but no contracts and paypal only. And no references.

 

[disneynutz]

I was trying to use redweek, but with three different tries all of them seemed willing to be verified but no contracts and paypal only. And no references.

Have you tried the rental forum here on the DIS?

You need to log in to see the threads.

Bill

 

[bound4wdw]

Kinda last minute on the resorts, not willing to upgrade to anything more than a studio. Would like a nicer resort but the POP is our home resort.

 

[crisi]

Kinda last minute on the resorts, not willing to upgrade to anything more than a studio. Would like a nicer resort but the POP is our home resort.

Last minute and DVC rental don't go together. If you are interested for a future trip - you want to start asking these questions about a year in advance.

 

[chalee94]

I was trying to use redweek, but with three different tries all of them seemed willing to be verified but no contracts and paypal only. And no references.

i suspect they didn't want to do a contract because they don't own DVC and were renting exchanges (which technically violates RCI's rules).